The laughing philosopher of Abdera. He should rather be termed the deriding philosopher, because he derided or laughed at peoples folly or vanity. It is said that he put out his eyes that he might think more deeply.

Democritus, dear droll, revisit earth,

And with our follies glut thy heightened mirth.

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Prior.

Democritus Junior. Robert Burton, author of The Anatomy of Melancholy (15761640).